tourist information
Location
The City of Buenos Aires is the capital of the Argentine Republic and is located in the southern hemisphere. The city extends on a plain, where approximately 3 million people live in. Including the metropolitan area, the total population of Buenos Aires is above ten millions, making it one of the 10 most populated urban centers in the world. The Río de la Plata and the Riachuelo are the natural borders of the city on the east and south, respectively. The rest of the metropolitan perimeter is surrounded by the General Paz Avenue from north to west. This avenue provides a fast connection between the city and the Greater Buenos Aires, a densely populated area with important activity.
Climate
The mean annual temperature is 18º C (64.4º F), July is the coldest month. Although frosts are rare, a woollen coat, a jacket or an overcoat and a scarf will be required when going out. In winter, cold is moderate during the day, but temperature considerably drops at night. Rains are more frequent in autumn and spring (from March to June and from September to December, respectively). They are mild or last a short time, thus activities are not hampered and people usually go out with an umbrella or a raincoat.
Language
The official language in Argentina is Spanish. Something to note is the use of “vos” (you) instead of the Spanish “tú” for informal treatment. Most people involved in tourist activities speak English and Portuguese.
Currency
The Argentine currency is the peso ($). There are $ 100, $ 50, $ 20, $ 10, $ 5 and $ 2 notes, and 1, 0.50, 0.25, 0.10 and 0.05 cent coins. The U.S. dollar is the most common foreign currency. Banks and casas de cambio (currency exchange offices), where you must present your passport, exchange foreign currency. Shops accept credit cards and dollars.
Transportation
The means of transport of the city and its rates are:
- Bus: $0.90 (minimum fare)
- Subway: $0.90 (flat fare)
- Taxi: basic fare of $3.60 + 0.36 each 200 meters (220 yards). Average trip lasting 8 minutes: $8 to $10.
- Trains: $0.65 (minimum fare)
- Remise (limo service) (from Ezeiza airport to the Obelisk, down town): $46
- Minibus (from Ezeiza airport to the Obelisk): $36
- Car rental per day: $90 to $200
- 1 litre of gasoline (0.2 gallons): between $2.40 and $3 (1 u$d)
Sanitary info
Vaccination is neither obligatory nor necessary to visit Buenos Aires since the city is safe from the sanitary viewpoint. The public water supply is reliable. Public hospitals - available for tourists – offer a 24-hour emergency service, without charge. The ambulance emergency service (SAME) is also for free.
Religion
Argentina recognizes the freedom of worship. The official religion is that of the Roman Catholic Church, represented by an important number of churches. There are also other places of public worship, such as the Jewish central synagogue, the only site providing training to rabbis from all around the world, and the Mosque of Palermo neighborhood, the largest Islamic temple in Latin America
Toll – Free Tourism Assistance Line
0800 999 2838 Toll – Free Tourism Assistance Line, every day from 9 AM. to 8 PM. You will get assistance from people speaking Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian and French. Call from any public telephone tooth. You can call to make a complaint about commercial abuse cases; thefts, offences, petty steals, losses, whereabouts and failed meetings; breach of services transactions.